Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has been struck by a devastating loss with the death of his mother, Kathy Drysdale.
The 19-year-old announced on social media on Friday, April 12, that his mother had passed away after an 11-year battle with cancer.
"There is no one in this world that can love you more than your mother. As strong and stubborn as she is I have watched her struggle, fight and survive cancer for the past 11 years and now her battle has ended surround by family, friends and her teammates," Lively posted on his Instagram.
Lively shared a close bond with his mother, who was frequently seen attending Mavericks games and accompanying him during media appearances.
The 7-foot-1 player also previously expressed that Drysdale was the driving force behind his desire to play basketball, and he has honored his mother by getting tattoos in tribute to her.
Lively is currently having a sensational rookie season for the Mavericks, performing his role well and averaging 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds in 55 regular season games.
Dereck Lively's mother worked for the Philadelphia 76ers
Drysdale played college basketball for the Penn State Lady Lions and later worked for the school's athletics department as Director of Marketing and Fan Experience for various sports.
Before returning to her alma mater in 2011, she held various roles with the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers from 1993 to 2009.
Her responsibilities included game presentation, overseeing dance team performances, in-arena contests, and the implementation of season ticket holder events.
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